Cak Imin Responds to Indonesians Detained by Israel
Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar, commonly known as Cak Imin, expressed concern over the actions of Israeli soldiers who detained a number of Indonesian delegates taking part in the Global Sumud Flotilla humanitarian mission bound for Gaza, Palestine. He said Israel was once again displaying its characteristic brutality.
“Yes, it is indeed worrying; we will see violence never ending,” Muhaimin said in Central Jakarta on Monday evening, 18 May 2026.
According to Global Sumud Flotilla data as of Monday, 18 May 2026 at 21:20, at least five Indonesian citizens had ships that had already been intercepted by Israeli forces. On the ship Bolarize, Republika journalist Bambang Noroyono together with two Malaysian nationals were detained by the Israeli military.
On another vessel, Ozgurluk, three Indonesians were abducted by Israeli soldiers during the humanitarian voyage to Gaza, Palestine. These included Tempo journalist Andre Prasetyo, Republika journalist Thoudy Badai, and iNews journalist Heru Rahendro.
Cak Imin said the government is committed to securing the release of the citizens currently detained. “Of course all possible means must be used, including diplomacy, including various approaches that, later, the Foreign Minister will know best,” said the Chairman of the National Awakening Party.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia condemned the Israeli military’s action in intercepting several ships that were part of the international humanitarian mission Global Sumud Flotilla. The ministry also urged the Israeli government to promptly release all ships and the crew of the international humanitarian mission that were detained.
“We will continue to engage with various relevant parties to obtain the latest information on the condition of Indonesian citizens, while preparing contingency measures, including protection facilitation and expeditious repatriation processes if necessary,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang to Tempo, on Monday evening, 18 May 2026.
Novali Panji contributed to this article.